“Grow it Right!” Blueberry and Asparagus Plant Sale

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension and its Master Gardener Volunteers are offering a “Grow it Right!” plant sale to raise funds for its Master Gardener Volunteers program.

The Master Gardener program has been active in Maine for more than 30 years. UMaine Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have assisted in dozens of community gardens across the state, including the Maine Harvest for Hunger program and other community-based volunteer efforts. Money raised will assist in many of those projects and will provide scholarships to those that cannot afford the Master Gardener Volunteers course fee.

Members of the public can support the project by ordering a high-bush blueberry plant pack, consisting of three young plants, two varieties per pack (Blueray, Patriot, Northland or Jersey*), for $35.95 and/or a pack of 10 asparagus crowns (Jersey Supreme**) ready for planting in the spring for $15.00. Plants will be available for pickup at specific University of Maine Cooperative Extension county offices on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The office locations include; Hancock County in Ellsworth; Penobscot County in Bangor; York County in Springvale, Cumberland County at the Barron Center in Portland, Knox-Lincoln counties in Waldoboro, Oxford County in South Paris, Washington County in Machias and Highmoor Farm in Monmouth.

*The blueberry plants are cell grown plants with a strong, uniform root plug for ease of transplanting. They have good top growth. These cell grown blueberry plants have been found to be the quickest in producing fruit.

**Jersey Supreme is an early variety and cold tolerant. It has demonstrated very good rust resistance and is noted for its tolerance to fusarium.

Purchasers will receive expert advice on growing blueberries and growing asparagus at every stage and a take-home package of instructions from Extension staff and Master Gardener Volunteers. A soil test is recommended prior to planting to help gardeners get the most out of their garden site.

To request special accommodations or for more information contact Richard Brzozowski, 207-781-6099, 800-287-1471 (toll-free in Maine) or e-mail richard.brzozowski@maine.edu or Marjorie Peronto, 207-667-8212, 800-287-1479 (toll-free in Maine) or e-mail marjorie.peronto@maine.edu.

Our Mission

Seacoast Eat Local connects people with sources of locally grown foods and advocates eating locally for the health of our environment, community, culture and economy. Through advocacy, organizing and education, we work toward a sustainable local food system that meets the needs of both producers and consumers.